Selectively Configurable Washing Article

ABSTRACT

A handheld washing article that is used during bathing having a first pocket that is made of cloth and a second pocket that is made of mesh. The opening of the first pocket is connected to the opening of the second pocket along a common seam that encircles the washing article. The cloth first pocket and the mesh second pocket share a common open interior. The cloth first pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the cloth first pocket will extend into, and line, the mesh second pocket. The mesh second pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the mesh second pocket will extend into, and line, the cloth first pocket. The washing article can be selectively configured to be all cloth, all mesh, or both, depending upon the manipulations of the washing article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to washing articles that areused to help clean the body when bathing. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to hand-held washing articles that contain bothsections of soft cloth and sections of exfoliating material to assist inthe bathing process.

2. Prior Art Description

Many people use a washcloth when bathing. The washcloth helps holdlather and is very useful for cleaning delicate places, such as aroundthe eyes and ears. Many people also use an exfoliating product, such asa loofah, when bathing. The exfoliating product helps remove stubborndirt as well as smooth the skin. Since both washcloths and exfoliatingproducts are used during bathing, some manufacturers have developedproducts that combine the features of a washcloth with an exfoliatingproduct. Often, the combination involves providing a soft cloth on oneside of a washcloth and covering the other side with an exfoliatingmaterial. In this manner, the cloth material or the exfoliating materialcan be brought into contact with the skin depending upon how the productis held by the bather. Such prior art dual-material washcloths areexemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,514,802 to Keech and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2007/0256261 Benitez.

Dual material washcloths have certain disadvantages when bathing. Duringbathing, a person often picks up various objects, such as shampoo, soap,a washcloth, and the like. As such, it is commonplace for the washclothto be picked up, put down, and exchanged between hands multiple times.When a double-sided washcloth is picked up or exchanged between hands,the exposed surface is likely to be reversed as the washcloth ismanipulated. This is especially true if the bather's eyes are closed dueto the presence of water or lather. Accordingly, a bather may grasp thewashcloth and wipe their face with the exfoliating material rather thanthe expected soft cloth.

In an attempt to make dual-material washcloths more manageable,dual-material wash mitts have been developed. There are wash mitts inwhich the hand fits between a soft cloth and an exfoliating pad. Suchprior art is exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,447 to Fallvene.Although such mitts may be easier to use, such mitts position onematerial on the back of the hand. Accordingly, the mitt must berepeatedly rotated on the hand to use both the soft cloth and theexfoliating material effectively.

A need therefore exists for a more versatile washing article that canpresent both a soft material and an exfoliating material regardless ofhow the washing article is grasped. Furthermore, a need exists for awashing article that can be selectively converted between a soft washcloth and an exfoliating pad, depending on the needs of the bather.These needs are met by the present invention as described and claimedbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a handheld washing article that is used duringbathing and showering. The washing article has a first pocket that ismade of cloth and a second pocket that is made of mesh. The opening ofthe first pocket is connected to the opening of the second pocket alonga common seam that encircles the washing article. The cloth first pocketand the mesh second pocket share a common open interior. The cloth firstpocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the cloth first pocketwill extend into, and line, the second mesh pocket. Likewise, the meshsecond pocket can be inverted at the common seam so that the mesh secondpocket will extend into, and line, the first mesh pocket. In thismanner, the washing article can be selectively configured to be allcloth, all mesh, or both cloth and mesh, depending upon themanipulations of the washing article by the bather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof,considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a washing article in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 ,showing the washing article divided into two opposed pockets;

FIG. 5 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 folded into a firstconfiguration;

FIG. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 folded into a secondconfiguration;

FIG. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 folded into a thirdconfiguration;

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention washingarticle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the present invention washing article can be embodied in manyways, only two exemplary embodiments are illustrated. The exemplaryembodiments are being shown for the purposes of explanation anddescription. The exemplary embodiments are selected in order to setforth some of the best modes contemplated for the invention. Theillustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not beconsidered limitations when interpreting the scope of the appendedclaims.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a first embodiment of a washing article10 is shown. The washing article 10 has a top first panel 12 and abottom second panel 14 that are interconnected along a common periphery16. This provides the washing article 10 with the same general structureas a bag, albeit without an opening. The washing article 10 defines aninterior space 18 that is interposed between the first panel 12 and thesecond panel 14 within the common periphery 16.

The first panel 12 is divided into two sections 20, 22. The first panelis bisected to create a first cloth section 20 and a second mesh section22, wherein the cloth section 20 and the mesh section 22 have comparablesurface areas. The cloth section 20 is made from a soft cloth material24. The cloth material 24 can be synthetic, but is preferably a naturalmaterial such as cotton fibers or bamboo fibers. The mesh section 22 ismade from a mesh material 26. The mesh material 26 provides a mildexfoliating surface for use during washing. The mesh material 26 itselfcan be woven from fibers that are the same or different from that of thesoft cloth material 24.

Likewise, the bottom second panel 14 is divided into two sections 30, 32that have the mirrored construction of the first panel 12. The bottompanel 14, therefore, also has a cloth section 30 and a mesh section 32.The cloth section 30 and the mesh section 32 have the same surface areasas the corresponding cloth and mesh sections 20, 22 on the first panel12. The cloth section 30 on the second panel 14 is made from the samesoft cloth material 24 as the cloth section 20 on the first panel 12. Aswill be explained, both cloth sections 20, 30 are made from the samefolded segment of cloth material 24. Likewise, the mesh material 26 onthe second panel 14 is made of the same mesh material 26 as is used onthe first panel 12. Accordingly, both the first panel 12 and the secondpanel 14 are partially made of the cloth material 24 and are partiallymade of mesh material 26.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ,it can be seen that the overall washing article 10 is made from twosegments 34, 36 of material. The two segments 34, 36 include a firstsegment 34 of the cloth material 24 and a second segment 36 of the meshmaterial 26. The first segment 34 of the cloth material 24 is generallyrectangular, having a first long edge 38, a second long edge 40, and twoshort edges 42, 44. Likewise, the second segment 36 of the mesh material26 is generally rectangular, having a first long edge 48, a second longedge 50, and two short edges 52, 54.

The first segment 34 of the cloth material 24 is folded so that the twoshorts edges 42, 44 of the first segment 34 align and abut. The twoshort edges 42, 44 are sewn together along a common seam 46.Furthermore, the second long edge 40 is sewn together along a commonseam 47. This creates a cloth pocket 60 that is closed along threesides. The cloth pocket 60 has an interior that is accessible through anopen end 61. The peripheral rim 63 of the open end is formed by thefolded first long edge 38.

The second segment 36 of the mesh material 26 is folded so that the twoshorts edges 52, 54 of the second segment 36 abut. The two short edges52, 54 are sewn together along a common seam 56. Furthermore, the secondlong edge 50 is sewn together along a common seam 57. This creates amesh pocket 62 that is closed along three sides. The mesh pocket 62 hasan interior accessible through an open end 65. The peripheral rim 67 ofthe open end is formed by the folded first long edge 48.

The peripheral rim 63 of the cloth pocket 60 is sewn to the peripheralrim 67 of the mesh pocket 62 along a central seam 64. The interiors ofthe cloth pocket 60 and the mesh pocket 62 join in an unobstructedmanner. The central seam 64 encircles the middle of the washing article10, therein dividing the cloth section 20 and the mesh section 22.

Referring to FIG. 5 in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , it can beseen that the mesh pocket 62 can be inverted into the cloth pocket 60.In this configuration, a double layered pocket 66 is created where themesh pocket 62 lines the interior of the cloth pocket 60. Thisconfiguration exposes only the cloth material 24 on the exterior of thecloth pocket 60. The interior of the cloth pocket 60, with its lining ofmesh material 26, is accessible through the opening 68 defined at thecentral seam 64. In this manner, objects, such as a person's hand or abar of soap, can be placed into the double layered pocket 66 duringwashing. This makes all of the cloth material 24 available for washing.Since only the cloth material 24 is exposed, the washing article 10 isappropriate for washing delicate areas or the skin or the skin of ababy.

Referring to FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , it can beseen that the cloth pocket 60 can be inverted into the mesh pocket 62.In this configuration, a double layered pocket 70 is created where thecloth pocket 60 lines the interior of the mesh pocket 62. Thisconfiguration exposes only the mesh material 26 on the exterior of themesh pocket 62. The interior of the mesh pocket 62, with its lining ofcloth material 24 is accessible through the opening 72 defined by thecentral seam 64. In this manner, objects, such as a person's hand or abar of soap, can be placed inside the double layered pocket 70 duringwashing. This makes all of the mesh material 26 available for washing.Since only the mesh material 26 is exposed, the washing article 10 isappropriate for washing areas that need stronger cleaning orexfoliation.

Referring to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , it can beseen that the washing article 10 can be partially inverted laterally,wherein one half the cloth pocket 60 is inverted into its second halfand one half of the mesh pocket 62 is inverted into its second half. Inthis configuration, a double layered pocket 80 is created where bothcloth material 24 and mesh material 26 are exposed on the exterior ofthe double layered pocket 80. The interior of the double layered pocket80 is accessible through an opening 82 that is bisected by the centralseam 64. Objects, such as a person's hand or a bar of soap, can beplaced inside the double layered pocket 80 during washing.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an alternate embodiment of the washing article 90is shown. In this embodiment, the washing article 90 is the same as waspreviously described and can be reconfigured in the same manners as werepreviously described. The difference is that an opening 92 is formed inthe washing article 90 that an object, such as a bar of soap, to beplaced within the washing article 90. The opening 92 can be disposedlong any of the seams. In the shown embodiment, the opening 92 is formedalong the central seam 94. By not sewing the cloth pocket 96 to the meshpocket 98 along a section of the central seam 94, the opening 92 can becreated.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention thatare illustrated and described are merely exemplary and that a personskilled in the art can make many variations to those embodiments. Forinstance, the size and shape of the washing article can be varied. Forexample, the washing article can be spherical. All such embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention asdefined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing article, comprising: a first pocketaccessible through a first pocket opening, wherein said first pocketopening has a first peripheral rim, and wherein said first pocket ismade of cloth material; a second pocket accessible through a secondpocket opening, wherein said second pocket opening has a secondperipheral rim, and wherein said second pocket is made of mesh material;and wherein said first peripheral rim of said first pocket opening isconnected to said second peripheral rim of said second pocket openingalong a common seam.
 2. The washing article according to claim 1,wherein said first pocket and said second pocket are equal in size andsaid common seam bisects said washing article.
 3. The washing articleaccording to claim 1, wherein said first pocket defines an interiorspace and said second pocket can be selectively inverted and receivedwithin said first pocket through said first pocket opening.
 4. Thewashing article according to claim 1, wherein said second pocket definesan interior space and said first pocket can be selectively inverted andreceived within said second pocket through said second pocket opening.5. The washing article according to claim 1, wherein said cloth materialof said first pocket is a single segment of cloth folded in half andsewn along two sides to form said first pocket.
 6. The washing articleaccording to claim 5, wherein said single segment of cloth isrectangular in shape, having a first long edge, a second long edge, andtwo short edges, wherein said first long edge is folded in half and sewnclosed and said two short edges are sewn together.
 7. The washingarticle according to claim 1, wherein said mesh material of said secondpocket is a single segment of mesh folded in half and sewn along twoside to form said second pocket.
 8. The washing article according toclaim 7, wherein said single segment of mesh is rectangular in shape,having a first long edge, a second long edge, and two short edges,wherein said first long edge is folded in half and sewn closed and saidtwo short edges are sewn together.
 9. The washing article according toclaim 1, wherein said first pocket and said second pocket define ashared open interior that is encircled by said common seam.
 10. Thewashing article according to claim 9, wherein an access opening isprovided along said common seam to provide access to said shared openinterior.
 11. A washing article, comprising: a first panel having afirst cloth section and a first mesh section, wherein said first clothsection is made of cloth material and said first mesh section is made ofmesh material; a second panel having a second cloth section and a secondmesh section, wherein said first panel is joined to said second panelonly along a common periphery, wherein said second cloth section is madeof cloth material and said second mesh section is made of mesh material;and wherein said first cloth section and said second cloth section arevertically aligned.
 12. The washing article according to claim 11,wherein said first mesh section and said second mesh section arevertically aligned.
 13. The washing article according to claim 11,wherein said first panel and said second panel define a shared openinterior.
 14. The washing article according to claim 13, wherein saidfirst panel and said second panel are bisected by a central seam,wherein said washing article is made from said cloth material on a firstside of said central seam and said washing article is made from saidmesh material on said second side of said central seam.
 15. The washingarticle according to claim 14, wherein an access opening is providedalong said common seam to provide access to said shared open interior.16. The washing article according to claim 15, wherein said clothmaterial on said first side can be selected inverted and received withinsaid mesh material on said second side.
 17. The washing articleaccording to claim 15, wherein said mesh material on said second sidecan be selected inverted and received within said cloth material on saidfirst side.
 18. The washing article according to claim 15, wherein saidcloth material of said first side is a single segment of cloth folded inhalf and sewn to form a first pocket.
 19. The washing article 18,wherein said mesh material of said second side is a single segment ofmesh folded in half and sewn to form a second pocket.
 20. The washingarticle according to claim 19, wherein said central seam joins saidfirst pocket to said second pocket.